It was one swell shindig.
Held in an airplane hangar at the edge of the Santa Maria airport, the Allan Hancock College (AHC) Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary with a gala on Saturday, Oct. 21.
More than 300 people showed up for this auspicious event. Tickets were $150 each and included an endless supply of complimentary wine from the college’s viticulture and enology (learning about and making wine) program. Especially delightful was the sparkling, nicely chilled pink wine each guest was offered upon arrival.
Early arrivals could linger, with drinks, outside the hangar in sight of several vintage aircraft. The college’s terrific jazz band played period music and provided a festive backdrop for the goings-on.
AHC president Kevin Walthers was the most genial of hosts, mixing and mingling with everyone.
Because Allan Hancock, the namesake of the school, was so involved with flight, the evening had an aviation theme.
Guests were encouraged to wear apparel that reflected Hancock’s aviation-related history. Festive attire of any sort and clothing from the period of 1920 to 1940 were also suggested for those whose aviation wardrobes were limited and who did not live near a costume rental store.
Foundation board member Jim Bray looked oh so suave in a flight cap and jacket (these were commercial air, not military, items of attire). A young man, who was not allowed to reveal his true name, wandered about introducing himself to guests as Captain Hancock. He wore the signature Hancock wire-rimmed glasses, a leather bomber jacket, and a silk scarf.
There was a host of top guns from the college, including Vice President Michael Black. Guess who came to town for the gala? A blast from the past—former AHC president Jose Ortiz and wife, Carmen.
This stellar event attracted Franzitska Shepard and City Councilman Jack Boysen and his wife, Kathy. I was so glad to see the glamorous Sue Sword in a sparkly long dress.
A sit-down dinner was catered by Field to Table and included surf and turf (braised short rib and macadamia nut encrusted mahi mahi) with an excellent salad, whipped potatoes, and vegetables.
Dessert was beyond excellent. Prepared by students in the AHC culinary arts program, dessert consisted of tiny tidbits, resembling petit fours, which were simply sublime.
Mayor’s Ball
This is the season that abounds with social events.
The United Way’s signature annual fundraiser, the Mayor’s Ball, happened on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Santa Maria Country Club. This year’s ball was titled An Evening Under the Stars.
Mayors from local communities turned out for this gala, which was distinguished by many (and I mean many) lovely, glamorous evening gowns. Where do these ladies shop?
Susie Duane: long time no see. Austin Petty (former board chairperson): thanks for being a good sport. Holly Sierra (mayor of Buellton), Marisol Cruz (president of the board), Cary Gray, and Karen Cordary were among the revelers.
Lynn Fernbaugh won the popular Heads & Tails event. She went home with many bottles of wine and a wine cooler (the big electric kind, not the kind you fill with ice.). Is she a lucky girl, or what?
Eddie Taylor, CEO of the local United Way, gave a presentation, “Support the Cause.”
Dinner included filet, mashed potatoes, and vegetables, salad, rolls, and dessert. Dessert and coffee were served in the bar area.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at column151@gmail.com.
This article appears in Oct 26 – Nov 2, 2017.
